An endangered leopard has been shot and killed by poachers in Migaha Ara, within the Buduruwagala Reservoir area.

Officers from the Wellawaya Wildlife Office launched an operation following a tip-off and discovered the leopard's carcass. 

It was revealed that the suspects had removed the animal's teeth before fleeing the scene during the raid.

Wildlife officers have launched a special investigation to arrest the individuals responsible for the killing of the rare species